MIRPUR (Safeer Raza Chughtai): The Azad Kashmir government has extended the term of the Chairman of the AJK Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Mirpur, Chaudhry Nazar Hussain, for another two years, raising concerns over the political patronage in the state.
A formal notification has been issued, retaining Chaudhry Nazar Hussain for an extended period after the completion of the initial three years.
According to the sources, the chairman’s term was extended on the special recommendation of the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir, Anwarul Haq, with whom Chaudhry Nazar Hussain is considered a close associate.
The decision to extend Chaudhry Nazar Hussain’s term instead of new candidates has sparked mixed reactions from different quarters. The extension has raised questions about whether it was based on performance or political affiliation.
Supporters argue that Chaudhry Nazar took valuable steps in the Education Board to make the examination system transparent during his tenure as Chairman, due to which his extension is a right and necessary decision. However, critics and opposition parties are calling this decision contrary to merit and transparency, calling it the result of open political patronage.
The opposition has criticized the decision, emphasizing that appointments in educational institutions should be transparent and based on merit.
The extension of Chaudhry Nazar Hussain’s term has once again raised questions about the quality of government appointments and extensions in Azad Kashmir. Educationists and civil society said that Azad Kashmir currently needs an educational vision that prioritizes merit, promotes institutional reforms.
On the other hand, Chaudhry Nazar Hussain, in a conversation with his close circle, has expressed confidence that he will continue to play his role in building the Mirpur Board on more active, organized, and modern lines in the coming period as well.
